Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina. But the ambition of the Gunners chasing the Serbian striker will certainly not be easy.
Reported by The Guardian, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking for a new midfielder and striker. Especially the front line post, there is a higher urgency.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract in the summer, and so far have not been renewed. Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeang has a disciplinary problem and has not played for the past month. His future at Arsenal is in doubt.
Therefore, Vlahovic can be Arsenal’s front-line solution for the long term. He will be turning 22 this month. Arteta did not explicitly say he wanted it, but explained that the Gunners would be active in the transfer market.
“I think with some considerations, and also our desire to develop the team, we have to maximize every transfer window in various ways and we have to be vigilant,” said Arteta.
“Edu (Arsenal director of sport) and his team are working hard and that’s exactly what we need. Whether we can do it in January or in the summer is another matter because it involves a number of things.
“If it is the right player and we can get him, and we can do what we want, we will discuss it and take the best decision. Our attitude is open,” explained the Spaniard.
Fiorentina are reportedly asking for 70 million euros for anyone who wants Vlahovic. He must be sold no later than next summer, because his contract expires in June 2023 and he has categorically refused to stay in Florence.
However, there are two things that hinder Arsenal in their efforts to recruit Vlahovic. First, rivals from other rich European clubs. It’s not just those who want the Belgrade-born player’s signature.
Second, and most importantly, convincing Vlahovic to want to join Arsenal. This is due to Arsenal’s achievements that have not played in the Champions League for the last 5 years.
In the list of the top 10 goalscorers in Europe throughout 2021, Vlahovic is the only striker who has not played in European club competitions. If he had to move, he would want to immediately ‘grade up’ and choose a team that plays in the Champions League.
Arsenal are known to be in fourth place in the Premier League at the moment, the lower limit of the Champions League zone. If they can at least stay in that position until the end of the season, maybe it will make it easier for them to sign Vlahovic.
Vlahovic is currently the top scorer in the Italian League this season. He scored 16 goals in 19 games.
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